Mayor Don Wesely today said Lincoln has a good and reliable water supply, but
reminded residents that water conservation is especially important during the
summer months. Mayor Wesely made the comments at a news conference near 84th
and Vine streets, where a major water main and street improvement project is
under way.

"Continuing improvements to our water system are necessary to meet the needs
of our growing city," said Mayor Wesely. "Closing a major street like 84th
is inconvenient for motorists, but we have made every effort to keep disruption
to a minimum. This is an outstanding example of coordinating our construction
projects. To prevent the street from being closed twice, the street work will
begin immediately after the water main is in place to meet both our water and
transportation needs."

The new 48-inch water transmission main will convey water from the Vine Street
reservoir facilities at 75th and Vine south to a new reservoir at 84th and Yankee
Hill Road. The project is expected to be completed and 84th Street reopened in
August, depending on the weather. Jerry Obrist, Chief Engineer of Lincoln Water
System (LWS), said the city began adding supply and treatment facilities to meet
the growing needs of the community several years ago.

"We have coordinated our master plan with the update of the City-County
Comprehensive Plan," Obrist said. "This line will be able to supply water
to development in Stevenís Creek as well as to the growing areas in the
southern part of the city."

Obrist said despite below-normal moisture during the winter, Lincolnís reservoirs
are at good levels. He cautioned, however, that continued drought in the mountain
states and in western Nebraska could negatively impact Lincolnís water supplies.
Obrist said Platte River flows in western Nebraska are below normal, reservoirs
in the Platte stem system are half-full or less, and flows past Lincolnís water
supply are below normal.

"The city is doing all it can to ensure water supplies are adequate, but we do
need citizen help in conserving water," said Wesely. "Even simple steps, like
watering in the coolest parts of the day, can make a big difference. With the
publicís volunteer cooperation, we can avoid taking mandatory measures."

The Mayorís Water Conservation Task Force has information on indoor and outdoor
watering and drought-tolerant plants and grasses. Information can be found on
the city web site at www.lincoln.ne.gov. Brochures are also available at
local nurseries, LWS offices at 2021 North 27th Street and the County City
Building, 555 South 10th Street.

At the news conference the Mayor also recognized winners of the Water Conservation
Task Forceís annual art contest. The work of Schyler Hearn of Fredstrom
Elementary is being displayed on a StarTran bus, and the work of Johnny
Knoche of Meadow Lane Elementary is being displayed on a billboard.